RTKnet: TRI (Toxics Release Inventory)

Nuclear, Petroleum and Toxic Producing Facilities in Counties Hardest Hit by Sandy (OMB Watch)

In Hurricane Sandy's aftermath, government agencies have acted quickly to save lives and restore power and other basic essentials for those impacted by the storm. As recovery continues, federal and state agencies will be addressing another growing problem: the noxious materials such as oil, toxic chemicals, and raw sewage that the storm has released into waterways. The health of residents and first responders will depend on knowing what's around them so they can take proper precautions and mitigate risks.

(09 Nov 2012)

Petition Seeks Information on Toxic Fracking Emissions (OMB Watch)

On Oct. 24, OMB Watch and 16 local, regional, and national organizations filed a petitionunder the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI), calling on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to require the oil and gas industry, including companies engaged in fracking to report their toxic emissions. Such reporting would provide EPA with more information on the identity, use, and quantity of chemicals used by the oil and gas industry and would help the agency evaluate their health and environmental risks.

(25 Oct 2012)

EPA Proposes New Expansions to the Toxics Release Inventory Program (OMB Watch)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced its plans to expand the industry sectors required to report to the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) program and to require electronic reporting for all TRI data. These steps are part of EPA's ongoing efforts to improve and reinvigorate the TRI program.

(18 Jul 2011)

EPA Expands TRI Progam (OMB Watch)

For the first time since 1999, the EPA has added chemicals to the list of toxic substances that must be reported to the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI). The TRI program tracks toxic pollution from thousands of facilities nationwide. The move is an overdue step in the right direction for this crucial right-to-know program and represents a welcome break from the previous administration's attempts to weaken TRI.

(03 Dec 2010)

EPA Pushing TRI Data Out to Public with New Tools, Earliest Data Release Ever (OMB Watch)

The EPA has released the preliminary 2009 Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) data, the earliest data release in the history of the program. In addition, new tools help the public use the data: a mobile device application, myRight-to-Know, and a searchable database of chemical hazard data, TRI-CHIP.

(30 Jul 2010)

Release of North American Pollution Data Reveals Significant Reporting Gaps (CEC)

The CEC released Taking Stock Online, which contains the latest integrated data set from North America's pollutant release and transfer registers (PRTRs) with a database of over 500 toxic substances and nearly 100 major industrial sectors. The data reveal gaps in the tracking of industrial pollution, such as the exemption of the oil and gas extraction sector and the public water wastewater treatment sector and deficiencies in pollution reporting from mining.

(22 Jul 2010)

The Top 100 Toxic Air Polluters (The Real News Network)

Researchers at UMass Amherst released The Toxic 100 Air Polluters, which is based on TRI data. The list helps the public to better understand the impact of pollutants on their health. According to the list, the top five air polluters among large corporations are the Bayer Group, ExxonMobil, Sunoco, DuPont, and Arcelor Mittal. Co-Director Michael Ash explains, "We try to act as a bridge between the right to know...and the right to actually have clean air and clean water."

(18 Jun 2010)

Indian Court Convicts 7 in Bhopal Gas Tragedy (New York Times)

Seven Union Carbide India Ltd. officials were convicted today for failing to follow proper safety procedures prior to the 1984 methyl isocyanate gas leak. Local activists contend that the government has failed to properly clean up the toxic chemicals left at the Union Carbide-owned pesticide plant after its closing. This disaster drove the U.S. Congress to pass legislation to prevent similar occurrences in the United States and create the Toxic Release Inventory.

(07 Jun 2010)

CNN Investigates Toxic Town (Center for Health, Environment & Justice)

"On June 2nd, CNN’s Dr. Sanjay Gupta will be airing an hour-long investigative story into the environmental health and justice problems plaguing the community of Mossville, Louisiana. Nestled amidst an alarming cluster of chemical plants, Mossville is home to more PVC chemical plants than anywhere else in the entire country, and has been dubbed the Vinyl Manufacturing Capital of America."

(27 May 2010)